Thanksgiving Note: "What I Am Thankful For"

With each year's Thanksgiving newsletter, I have taken the opportunity to reflect on the events of the current year and share my thoughts regarding the year ahead. Calendar year 2024 was a year of positive momentum and (post-covid) resurgence that yielded record breaking statistics for New York State's tourism industry and my comments last year reflected that.

Calendar year 2025 has been an entirely different year. We all have endured an unprecedented roller coaster ride of geopolitical controversy, bureaucratic obstacles, and budget challenges that threw detours and obstacles into the pathway to success. Through it all, however, I believe that our industry at every level has responded as it should - vigorously, pragmatically, professionally, and with a unified voice. Ultimately, I believe that future events will prove that we are responding effectively under difficult circumstances at local, state, national and international levels. Thanks to your individual and collective efforts, we're getting the job done.

Looking forward to 2026, I anticipate that a year in which our advocacy efforts and outreach will be vital to fueling our future success.  I recommend that our members all 'prep for success' and join NYSTIA in meeting the challenges ahead in 2026 and beyond:

1. Review our Tourism Advocacy Talking Points page and consistently incorporate advocacy in your messaging.
   1. While you're on the page, please add your contact information to NYSTIA's Advocacy Action Center so that you can participate in communicating to state and federal elected leadership.
   2. Adopt our 'Tourism - It's Everybody's Business' advocacy logo in your communications, social media and on your website.
   3. Access and download your local 'Economic Impact by County' advocacy flyer. Use it at chamber of commerce, rotary, and other community and/or leadership meetings to illustrate tourism impact locally.
2. Keep us informed! Communicate with our Advocacy Committee regarding your advocacy challenges and needs, relevant legislation, or opportunities to get the word out. 
3. Join Us at the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference, April 22-24. Explore new ideas and technology, network with peers and thought leaders, strengthen industry connections, and celebrate the people and organizations that make New York’s tourism industry thrive!